Taylor Swift‘s The Eras Tour concerts, originally set for August 8, 9, and 10 in Vienna, were unfortunately cancelled, but the Swifties didn’t let that stop them from turning the city into a hub of celebration and connection. The shows were called off after Austrian authorities arrested two individuals on August 7, who were allegedly planning an attack on the concerts. Reports indicate that the suspects had been radicalized online and aimed to target the Ernst Happel Stadium, the intended venue for the performances.
24 hours after we found out our @taylorswift13 concert was cancelled because of an ISIS terrorist plot Swifties have gathered at “Cornelia street” to sing, trade friendship bracelets and just feel joy.
— Ariella (tortured poet version) (@ariellakimmel) August 8, 2024
Radicalization is a real threat, but the cowards can’t beat Swifties pic.twitter.com/a51pRVgS4s
In light of these events, Taylor Swift’s management, in coordination with local authorities, made the difficult decision to cancel the concerts, prioritizing the safety of the 65,000 fans expected to attend each night. Despite the disappointment, fans in Vienna made the best of the situation, taking to the streets on August 8 to enjoy the city and meet other Swifties.
A particularly touching scene took place on Corneliusgasse, a street in Vienna that shares its name with Swift’s song “Cornelia Street.” Here, fans exchanged handmade friendship bracelets, hanging them from trees, and deepening the bonds they’ve formed through Taylor’s music.
24 hours after we found out our @taylorswift13 concert was cancelled because of an ISIS terrorist plot Swifties have gathered at “Cornelia street” to sing, trade friendship bracelets and just feel joy.
— Ariella (tortured poet version) (@ariellakimmel) August 8, 2024
Radicalization is a real threat, but the cowards can’t beat Swifties pic.twitter.com/a51pRVgS4s
In a moment that quickly went viral on social media, two Taylor Swift fans got engaged on the same street, creating their own “Love Story.” The proposal was met with cheers and happy tears from the crowd, bringing a sense of joy to an otherwise difficult day.
Support for the fans didn’t end there. Many local businesses and cultural venues in Vienna showed their solidarity by offering perks to those holding concert tickets. Several museums opened their doors for free, while cafes and restaurants provided complimentary food and drinks.
In the face of fear and uncertainty, Swifties transformed a cancelled concert into a city-wide celebration of resilience, music, and camaraderie, perfectly capturing the spirit of The Eras Tour.
